The Office of Special Counsel (OSC), an independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency, safeguards the merit system by protecting federal employees and applicants from prohibited personnel practices, especially reprisal for whistleblowing. OSC serves as a safe and secure channel for federal workers who wish to disclose violations of laws, gross mismanagement or waste funds, abuse of authority, and a specific danger to the public health and safety. In addition, OSC enforces and provides advisory opinions regarding the Hatch Act, and protects the rights of federal employee military veterans and reservists under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994. Information about OSC's functions, including how to file a complaint, make a protected disclosure, or receive a Hatch Act advisory opinion can be found on OSC's web site.